Allegro MX

Juniper Systems Allegro MX Handheld Unit

History:

This model came out late in 2008 and replaced the Juniper Systems Allegro CX.  As opposed to the Allegro CX, this is a Windows Mobile device, whereas the Allegro CX was a Windows CE device.  Windows Mobile is slightly easier to use and to set up and has some newer features that makes the unit a little more attractive than the Allegro CX.

This model represents the latest model in the Juniper Systems line of handheld units.

There are four different configurations, and they vary in screen color (Allegro MX-1 - monochrome) and availability of Bluetooth (Allegro MX-2 - monochrome with Bluetooth  and Allegro MX-3 - color with Bluetooth).  The Allegro MX-4 is color and has Bluetooth and WiFi.

TTS Use of this Handheld Unit:

We have only sold about a 100 of these units in the 2 1/4 years that this model has been out.  Though the model is a good model, it is overpriced; and the monochrome version is hard to read in direct sunlight.  We continued buying and selling the Allegro CX handheld units through March 2009 as long as they were available due to the easier readability of the same monochrome screen and because the manufacturer was deeply discounting the Allegro CX.

Initially, we only sold the Allegro MX with the monochrome screen since it made the unit more price competitive with the alternative handheld units that were on the market.  Also, Bluetooth was not in much demand for most of our customers, and the extra $250 was not worth the cost.

However, we have rethought our position and now are promoting the Allegro MX-3 unit (color and Bluetooth) rather than the Allegro MX-1 (monochrome without Bluetooth).  The color screen, even with a Legacy DOS monochrome b/w screen, is significantly easier to read.  Also, we are finding that the HP 470 portable printer with Bluetooth is great for our field users that need to print out of their vehicles.  Bluetooth is also finding its way into scanners, and customers that tag their logs may find this a better alternative.

Aftermarket Value:

I have yet to find any used Allegro MX handheld units on eBay or Amazon.  These are $2,500 to $3,000 new, so if you find one being resold, keep these prices in mind.  Make sure to ask the model (MX-1, 2, 3, or 4).  The lower the number the less valuable.  There is about a $250 difference between the MX-1 and the MX-3 and another $250 difference between the MX-3 and the MX-4.  We don't have pricing on the MX-2 since we have never sold any of these, but it must be about $150 more expensive than the MX-1.  Figure $1,750 - $2,250 for your range because the unit is up to 2 1/2 years old, and the warranty is likely to have run out.

Juniper Systems Knowledge Base:

To get information on problems with the Allegro MX, click on Knowledge Base.   Questions and answers that you are looking for that are not covered in this knowledge base might be found in our General Questions section.